Whitecaps FC Girls Elite advance to quarterfinals of 2013 Gothia Cup

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite clinched top spot in Group 2 at the 2013 Gothia Cup on Thursday with a 2-1 win over strong Norwegian side SK Hardhaus, who featured three Norwegian youth internationals.

Summer Clarke scored the goals for the 'Caps, both assisted by Seina Kashima.

"The team has been progressing well through each match so far," Whitecaps FC Girls Elite head coach Jesse Symons told whitecapsfc.com. "Each game we have improved in key areas. We're very excited for the opportunity to play in the quarterfinals on Thursday."

The ‘Caps swept all four of their group matches, first defeating Swedish side Sköllersta IF 5-0, followed by a 4-1 win over Spanish club Gasteizko Neskak, then downing Swedish team QBIK 2-0 before Wednesday’s victory over Hardhaus.

Topping Group 2 means that Whitecaps FC now get a bye through to the quarterfinals on Thursday where they will play the winner of the Round of 16 match between Swedish club AIK FF and German club FC St. Pauli Hamburg. Kickoff for the ‘Caps quarterfinal match will be at 8:50 a.m. PT (5:50 p.m. local time).